A scenic once frequented by during her childhood, is witnessing a resurgence as thousands of busy Londoners take the 90-minute train journey to unwind. Despite being a hidden gem largely unknown outside the , Broadstairs is now one of the top seaside destinations promoted by South Eastern Railway.

The modern town is teeming with independent bars, cafes and restaurants, while the pristine blue waters of the Thanet coastline continue to draw in visitors. Its numerous beaches are perfect for surfing, dog-walking or romantic strolls along the shore. If you're looking for loud clubs or a bustling nightlife scene, you won't find it here.

Broadstairs is a peaceful, understated and charming holiday spot, appealing to couples of all ages as well as families with young children. Here, we unveil everything you need to know about the town and what it has to offer, as reported by

For centuries, Broadstairs was simply a quiet fishing village linked to the inland church of St Peter's-in-Thanet. It was part of the coastal confederation of Cinque Ports during medieval times, alongside 42 other towns and villages around Kent and Sussex, but it didn't rank among the five most significant towns - Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich.

Broadstairs, once a significant religious site for sailors due to its Shrine of Our Ladye Star of the Sea, derived its name from the stairwell carved into the cliff that allowed seafarers to reach their pilgrimage site and pray for safe journeys. In the 17th century, the shrine was replaced by the Chapel of St Mary's.

Today, this historic site is home to the Chapel Bar and Bookshop. In 1823, the village had a modest population of 300, but its fortunes were on the brink of a dramatic change.

Between 1826 and 1836, the future Queen Victoria and her widowed mother, Victoire, Duchess of Kent, began spending their summers in the village, residing at Pierremont Hall, which still stands in today's Pierremont Park. This led to Broadstairs becoming a fashionable Victorian seaside resort among the upper and middle classes.

Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor, and it's believed that the town inspired the setting for Betsy Trotwood's home in David Copperfield and the titular Bleak House, according to The Dickens House Museum celebrates Dickens' connection with Broadstairs.

The advent of the steamboat allowed Broadstairs to develop into an important port for transporting goods to and from London, bringing with it a reputation for smuggling. By 1910, its population had grown to 10,000.

The present-day Broadstairs is the epitome of a serene escape, boasting extensive sandy beaches and an array of sophisticated bars and cafes that reflect the town's subtle charm. Viking Bay is Broadstairs' most prized possession, a "hidden gem" located along the Kent coast, described by a Tripadvisor reviewer as "a crescent of golden sand lined with colourful beach huts and rock pools", perfect for surfers under the watchful eyes of lifeguards, with plenty of amenities available.

Those seeking a more secluded haven can head to Joss Bay, an enchanting cove overshadowed by the magnificent Kingsgate Castle, now converted into apartments. Dumpton Gap is renowned for its towering chalk cliffs and is an ideal spot for dog-walking excursions, while adjacent to Viking Bay lies the tranquil and picturesque Louisa Bay, perfect for leisurely strolls bathed in sunlight.

Thrill-seekers craving energetic activities can visit the Revolution Skatepark and Climbing Centre, which offers a range of adrenaline-fueled athletic pursuits, while the Crampton Tower Museum, with its intricate miniature model railways, is a must-visit attraction for enthusiasts in the town.

Broadstairs is also home to an assortment of quirky cafes and laid-back bars. TripAdvisor enthusiasts rave about the Michelin-starred Kebbell's Seafood Bar and Restaurant, crowning it the top dining experience in Broadstairs with the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers Award tucked under its belt from last year.

Not to be outshone, the 300 year old Tartar Frigate brims with classic charm, serves up hearty traditional fare, and reigns as the second culinary jewel of the area, while a fusion of stylish Italian and Mediterranean venues enriches the townscape, among them Sardinia, which claims the crown of "best" in Broadstairs.

For a charming spot to savour your morning brew, The Old Curiosity Shop tea room beckons, just a leisurely stroll from the coastline and scoring top marks for its aromatic coffees, mirroring the Little Wave Cafe's impeccable five-star Google rating. As dusk descends, The Counting House Bar offers an elegant sanctuary on the high street to commence the evening's festivities, with Reign Bar and Lounge nearby luring night owls with tantalising cocktails set against a lavish art deco backdrop.

Cramptons Sports Bar stands out as the affordable watering hole of choice for sports aficionados wanting to catch the football buzz next to the train station.

Embarking from London, set off on an 80-mile venture to this seaside gem, a journey spanning roughly two hours and 25 minutes by car along the M2. If you prefer the rails, expect a swift one hour and 20-minute ride without needing to change trains, though some journeys might extend up to one hour and 47 minutes.

Catch a train with South Eastern Railway to this quaint seaside town, where single tickets start at a tempting £34.90 and returns are a bargain starting from £48.70. If you fancy living it up, Broadstairs doesn't disappoint - splash out on plush apartments with terraces and breathtaking views for upwards of £1,000 for a mere two-night escape.

But never fear, budget-conscious travellers have plenty of options too, with a treasure trove of charming hotels and guesthouses minus the hefty price tag. Fancy a jaunt by the sea? The 'fabulous' Ebenezer's Place Hotel beckons for £400 for a two-night retreat from Friday, August 22, to Sunday, August 24.

On the flip side, the "exceptional" Lazy Days Bed and Breakfast tempts with a 9.7/10 score on Booking.com, all yours for just £270. For something with a little more space, the delightful Broadstairs House Boutique B&B By The Sea, scored an impressive 9.5 on Booking.com, offers cosy double rooms at £400 or family rooms to fit four people at only £440.